Library Policies

Our goal is to provide a quality collection of library materials for the entire Leadership Academy community: students, staff and parents. We hope to instill a lifelong love of reading and an appreciation of books.

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Who may borrow books: Students with signed permission slips on file may take books home. Staff and parents may also check out books.

Visiting the Library: Teachers who do not have a regular time slot may sign up for library visits as needed. There is usually a short lesson or story before students check out books. Students, parents and staff may also visit whenever the librarian is available and there is no class scheduled. Note - Student visits should not be a substitute for class visits. These students do not benefit from library lessons.

Length of loan: Library materials are due in two weeks. Reference materials may be loaned for the day.

How many items may be borrowed: One or two items per pupil, depending on teacher requirements; five per parent. Teachers may borrow library materials corresponding to their class size.

Renewal policy: Return borrowed materials to library to renew up to two times. Note - If another person wishes to borrow a library book you've checked out, please return the book to the library first so our records can be updated.

Holds: A book may be placed on hold for up to one week.

Returning Books: Librarian and trained volunteers only will return books to shelves. Return library materials to circulation desk, or place in library box in office.

Lost or damaged books: Borrower must pay for replacement or replace exact title and may have library privileges restricted. In cases of financial hardship, other arrangements can be made.

Late books: Patrons are encouraged to return books promptly so others can enjoy them. Middle school students will be charged 10 cents a day for late items.

Services: Let us know if you have special requests or need certain books for a thematic unit. Books can be reserved or delivered to teachers. Specific library lessons can be arranged according to your needs.

Educational Games: These are available for use in the library or may be checked out to a class. Students must clean up the games after use. They are not to be used during class visits.

Computers: Students who are visiting without their class may check out a computer with an ID card. Computers are available to search the online catalog, take Accelerated Reader quizzes and to do research or other school-related projects. Educational games and typing programs may be available. Please use home computers for any non-educational games.

General Guidelines: Please, no food, drinks, cell phones or other handheld devices. Return furniture to original positions. Place any trash in trash cans. Remain calm, quiet and courteous so everyone can enjoy the library!

Year of the Reader

Library Blog

Are you over-scheduled? Set aside some free time to read. Grab a book, magazine, newspaper or comic and take some time to relax. The more you read, the more your reading skills will improve. Your vocabulary and attention span will increase as well. You may learn something new, exercise your imagination or discover a new interest. Plus, people who read literary fiction have been shown to have more empathy!

Library Wish List

Read to a Book Buddy

That book buddy can be a younger brother or sister, a friend, a grandparent, or even a pet! Students have even shared books with some of the library's stuffed animals.

Suggested Reading

If you're comfortable reading chapter books, look for Newbery Award-winning books. The Newbery Medal is awarded each year by the Association for Library Service to Children. It is given to the author who has made the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children that year. You know it will be a great story!

Book Care

Our library books are valuable resources that will be used for years to come by the students and staff of Sylmar Leadership Academy. The replacement value of damaged or lost books can be $25 or more. There are some simple ways to care for your books. Only handle books with clean hands. Books should be kept away from any food or liquid. Even water can be damaging. If books are taken home they should be transported in a clean backpack or plastic bag. Don't drop your backpack on the ground as this can result in damaged books (see photo).

At home, library materials should be kept away from pets and young siblings or visitors. It's fine to read to these younger children, as long as you are handling the book. Also, it's never a good idea to trade books with friends. If a friend damages a book, the person who checked it out is still responsible for paying the replacement cost. Carry books by hugging them/holding them close to your body.

When replacing library books back on the shelves, make a space with your hands first so you don't jam them onto another book. Don't read with a pencil or pen in your hand as this may mark the pages. Use a bookmark to mark your page instead of folding the page. Turn pages carefully from the corners to avoid rips. By following these tips we can keep our collection in great shape for future Stallions!

Online Catalog

Did you know that you can access our library’s online catalog from any internet accessible computer? Go to https://lausd.follettdestiny.com and scroll down to our school. Click on the grey bookmark icon next to the school name. Add the link to your favorites or bookmarks (depending on your browser). Go to your favorites or bookmarks. Right click on the Sylmar Leadership Academy link. Copy and paste the shortcut onto your computer’s desktop. Now you can search for materials in our library!

Meet Someone New

Students seeking books about famous people (past or present) can browse the biography section, call number 921. Look under the person's last name. For example, if you are looking for a book about Miley Cyrus, go to 921 Cyr. If you are unable to find a book about your chosen/assigned person, please put your request on our ongoing wish list. You can also find information in our reference section in an encyclopedia, or search online.